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March 2023
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DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water: Governor Cuomo!
Torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding and large-scale mudslides damaging houses and businesses, closing roads and forcing people to flee their homes in New York’s Mohawk Valley.
Governor Cuomo has issued a disaster declaration for 15 New York counties that have been hit by severe storms and widespread flooding. The counties are Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Tioga, Schoharie, St. Lawrence and Warren. Additionally, local states of emergency have been declared for the following areas:
Village of Ilion, Herkimer County
Town of Chesterfield, Essex County
Town & Village of Middleburgh, Schoharie County
Herkimer County
Town and Village of Herkimer, Herkimer County
Village of Mohawk, Herkimer County
Town of Elizabethtown, Essex County
Town of Johnsburg, Warren County
Village of Sherburne, Chenango County
Montgomery County
Town of Minden, Montgomery County
Town of Whitesboro, Oneida County
Town of German Flats, Herkimer County
Meantime, more rain has been forecast for the region, with the possibility there of more flooding in additional areas.
Flooding in the Mohawk River, New York. Photo shows the flooding in the city of Oneida. For more images click SOURCE.
Alerts and notifications available at NY Alert’s website: www.nyalert.gov
-oOo-
Other Global Disasters/ Significant Events
Beijing Air Pollution Off the Chart Again
The Air Quality Index in the Chinese capital zoomed into and above the “Hazardous” territory again late Friday, hitting the 529 mark. The index fell back to 193, or “Unhealthy” as of posting.
Disaster Declared for Mineral County, Colo., as Papoose Fire Explodes
Mineral County has been declared a disaster area, due to the uncontrolled, fast-moving Papoose Fire.
“The Papoose Fire, southwest of Creede, made a significant run to the north Thursday afternoon, growing from approximately 2,000 acres to more than 11,000 acres [~34,000 acres as of posting.] It is burning near the Road Canyon Reservoir and 30-Mile Campground, while threatening subdivisions in the area,” said a report.
The 34,000-acre blaze is also causing concern because it is moving toward the Rio Grande Reservoir dam, an important water source for the San Luis Valley, the report said. Meantime, the towns of Del Norte, South Fork and Wagon Wheel Gap have been evacuated.
The West Fork Complex Fire, which includes the Papoose Fire, had grown to more than 90,000 acres with 2% contained as of 8:00 am, June 28, 2013, according to Inciweb.
West Fork Complex Fire, located about 14.5 miles north/northeast of Pagosa Springs, CO, was sparked by lightning on June 5, 2013. Image source: Inciweb.
-oOo-
Hazard Mapping System Fire and Smoke for Continental America
Arizona Gov. declares a state of emergency for Yavapai County as fast-growing Doce Fire rages uncontrolled
The Doce Fire, burning in Granite Mountain Wilderness about 8 miles northwest of Prescott, is threatening several communities and about 500 homes. The blaze had consumed about 7,500 acres by Thursday afternoon and was 0 percent contained.
Evacuations are in place for the following locations:
Granite Basin Summer Homes and American Ranch
The areas of Granite Basin Homes, Black Jack, Camp Anytown, Sundown Acres, Cielo Grande, Old Stage Acres, south half of Mint Creek Wash and American Ranch remain evacuated. Neighborhoods in the Williamson Valley corridor are on notice for potential evacuation.
(Evacuation center at Yavapai College and for livestock at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds)
Firefighters are working to contain a blaze in central Arizona, not far from the state’s Prescott National Forest. Aircraft could be seen dumping massive buckets of water on the fire which as of Thursday, is not contained. The fire is spread across a 10-square mile area. More than 600 firefighters are working in an attempt to stop the blaze. Hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate their homes. So far, no buildings have been impacted.
Colorado Wildfires – Colorado Office of Emergency Management
a 1,000-acre wildfire in northwestern Colorado near the Utah state line forced the evacuation of 40 oil and gas well sites on Wednesday in Rio Blanco County, said the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
“Hampering firefighting efforts is limited access, rugged terrain, thick smoke and high winds,” the bureau said, adding that firefighters had observed wind-blown embers igniting new spot fires more than 800 yards away.
Another 1,000-acre blaze near the Spanish Peaks in Huerfano County forced about 200 scouts and staff members to flee their camp, said a report.
Authorities have also issued evacuation orders and pre-evacuation notices for residents south and west of the fire for 30 miles to the New Mexico border, the report said.
Active Colo. Fires:
East Peak Fire Acres: 9,400 – Containment: 0% – Evacuations: ~700
Black Forest Fire Acres: 14,280 – Containment: 100% Evacuations: 4117 people and ~20,000 homes (Estimated total of about 80,000 people-FEWW) – Fatalities: 2 civilian deaths – Homes destroyed: 509 – Homes damaged: 28
Royal Gorge Fire Acres: 3,216 – Containment: 100%
Big Meadow Fire Acres: 604 – Containment: 95%
West Fork Complex Fire Acres: 15,000 – Containment: 0%
Today’s Fire Outlook
The fire situation rating for the Rocky Mountain Area has increased to Preparedness Level 4. The Nation remains at a Preparedness Level 2. This rating indicates highly complex large fire activity is occurring, with multiple large fires in the zone. Fire severity is extreme as reported in multiple areas, and fires are escaping initial attack, as evident by the number of large fires.
Wildfires in Arizona, Alaska, California and Colorado Prompt Evacuations
An Arizona wildfire, dubbed Doce Fire, has burned at least 7,000 acres of chaparral and pine forest in just over 24 hours, prompting mandatory evacuation of more than 200 homes in five areas near the Granite Mountain Wilderness area, about 100 miles north of Phoenix.
Colorado
Lime Gulch Fire: A new wildfire in Jefferson County, southwest of Denver, has forced the emergency evacuation of about 100 homes on Wednesday.
Sparked by lightning, the Lime Gulch Fire has been burning fiercely since Tuesday. The blaze is fueled by gusty winds of up to 40 mph and humidity levels as low as 5 percent.
Most of Colorado will be under Red Flag Warnings Wednesday and Thursday due to ongoing drought, hot and windy conditions, forecasters said.
Black Forest Fire: The fire, listed as the most destructive in Colorado’s history, which started on Tuesday, June 11, was about 85 percent contained on June 19, 2013 (1:00 p.m. DST).
According to El Paso Sheriff’s website, the property loss caused by the deadly fire are currently as follows:
Carstens Fire: The 1,600-acre wildfire, which has been burning since Sunday near a highway in N California, is currently 40 percent contained.
More than 500 homes remain under evacuation orders.
Carstens Fire in Mariposa County, Calif., Day 2 – June 17, 2013
Alaska
Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across Alaska amid baking temperatures, which top 90 degrees (32ºC ), low humidity and strong to gusty winds.
Alaska wildfires have consumed more than 172,158 acres (269 sq miles) of land, according to Alaska Interagency Coordination Center Situation Report dated Wednesday June, 19, 2013.
Deadly flooding and landslides triggered by extreme rains wreak havoc across northern India
Earliest ever monsoon rains has covered the entire India, according to the country’s Met Office, triggering sever flooding that have inundated hundreds of towns and villages, sweeping away homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
At least 50 people are known to have died, as of posting, and many more are missing.
Footage shows apartment blocks in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand surrounded by flood waters, before one is swept away.
Mumbai has been crippled by torrential rains and high winds, with many low-lying areas in the city and suburbs flooded.
“The situation is very grim. The meteorological office has predicted that the rain will continue for another three days at least,” said a government spokesman.
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Singapore, Malaysia suffocate as Indonesia forest fires intensify
The air quality index in Malaysia and Singapore fell to unhealthy levels on Monday, as smoke from illegal forest clearing in Indonesia blanketed the region.
Singapore government has advised people to stay indoors, as the pollutant standards index climbed to its highest level in seven years, said a report.
“Given the current hazy conditions, it is advised that children, the elderly and those with heart or lung diseases reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities… Everyone else should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor activities,” said Singapore’s National Environment Agency.
-oOo-
Black Forest Fire: Initial Home Assessment
Updated: June 16, 2013 at approximately 7:30 p.m. (DST) – El Paso County Sheriff’s office
The extent of damage caused by the Black Forest Fire to homes in the region is as follows:
Total Loss: 483
Partial Damage: 17
Note: This is a preliminary home assessment. Due to continuous and dynamic fire activity the information could change.
The blaze was reportedly 65 percent contained, as of posting.
NWS has issued for most of Alaska, as several fires rage across the states, including a lightning-caused fire near Lime Village in the central Kuskokwim River, which grew rapidly Sunday evening. “It had more than doubled, to 12,260 acres, in 48 hours, according to a news release issued at 7:45 p.m. Sunday,” said a report.
Fire danger is expected to be extreme over the next 5 days, forecasters said.
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High and Low Temperature for the Contiguous U.S.
High Temperature for Sunday, June 16, 2013 (as received by 8 am EDT June 17)
114 degrees (45.6ºC) recorded at Ocotillo Wells, CA
Low Temperature for Monday, June 17, 2013 (as received by 8 am EDT June 17)
30 degrees (-1.1ºC) recorded at Stanley, ID
World’s High and Low Temperature
Max Temp. June 17, 2013 at 15:00 UTC
126.5 degrees (52.5ºC) recorded at Socotra, Yemen
Min Temp. June 17, 2013 at 15:00 UTC
-101.4 degrees (-74.1ºC) recorded at Concordia, Antarctica
Major wildfires fueled by record temperatures, strong winds and low humidity threaten thousands of homes in Colorado
Four major wildfires burning across Colorado have destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands to flee, including 900 inmates from a state prison.
Black Forest Fire, a wildfire which has consumed about 10,000 acres in a heavily wooded residential area northeast of Colorado Springs, forced the authorities to issue evacuations orders for more than 2,300 homes, forcing about 6,400 people to flee the area, according to El Paso County Sheriff. The blaze is currently at “zero percent containment.”
As of Tuesday night, “between 40 and 60 homes” had been destroyed,” said Sheriff Maketa. “You can easily assume that [the number] is higher than that.”
“Right now, the firefighters are more focused on fighting fires, drawing lines. And law enforcement, to be very honest, is scrambling to get people out of there as well as do searches,” said Maketa, adding that firefighters had shifted from evacuation phase to search-and-rescue mode.
“Weather is not working with us right now, but our guys are giving it a heck of a shot,” he said.
The fire is burning in an area close to last summer’s devastating Waldo Canyon Fire that destroyed 346 homes and killed several people.
“It’s very, very reminiscent of what we experienced in Waldo Canyon,” Maketa said.
Royal Gorge Fire
In southern Colorado, a 4,000-acre fire dubbed Royal Gorge Fire has destroyed at least three structures near the Royal Gorge Bridge and forced evacuation of “Old Max,” the Territorial Prison in Cañon City. Authorities have since evacuated Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. [Cause under investigation.]
Klikus Fire Burning also in southern Colorado, the Klikus Fire has consumed about 200 acres west of La Veta in Huerfano County, prompting mandatory evacuation of more than 200 residences. [Cause unknown.]
Rocky Mountain National Park Fire
A fourth wildfire has been burning in Rocky Mountain National Park since Monday. The fast moving blaze had grown to about 500 acres by Tuesday night, but it wasn’t threatening any structures, authorities said. [Sparked by lightning.]
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warning are in effects for parts of Colorado, Utah, California and Arizona, as well as most of Nevada, NWS said.
Excessive Heat Warning
Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for portions of south-central Arizona that include NW and north-central Pinal County, and Maricopa County including the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
The afternoon temperatures in the region are forecast to climb to 112 degrees, warned NWS.
Large blaze erupts in N. Colorado amid record high temperatures
A Colorado wildfire forced hundreds of evacuations on Saturday afternoon west of Fort Collins.
The fire started accidentally on Friday afternoon amid record high temperatures and high winds, consuming about 1,000 acres in less than 24 hours.
The blaze erupted in a residential community near Lory State Park, close to the area where massive wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes in 2012.
The authorities sent up to 900 evacuation notices on Friday, however, the blaze was 45% contained by late Saturday, and the evacuees were told they could return home.
The residents were warned they may have to evacuate again.
Red Flag Warnings were in effect for most of New Mexico, and W Texas and SE Colorado. Source: NWS
Waldo Canyon fire the most destructive in Colorado history: Officials
The Disaster President [Obama] has declared the state of Colorado a major disaster area due to the damage and losses caused by deadly wildfires in El Paso County [Colorado Springs’ Waldo Canyon fire] and Larimer County [High Park Fire] which began on June 9, 2012, and continuing.
More counties may be designated subject to ongoing damage surveys, FEMA said.
The 5-day old Waldo Canyon fire in Pike National Forest, El Paso County, has now consumed an estimated 20,000 acres, destroying at least 346 homes [preliminary damage report,] forcing tens of thousands of people out of their homes, and threatening 20,085 residences and 160 commercial structures.
Until yesterday, the High Park fire, still burning near Fort Collins north of Denver, was officially the most destructive Colorado fire on record having consumed 257 homes and 87,284 acres of forest and grassland.
Waldo Canyon Fire Map (June 27).
Map of Waldo Canyon Fire Mandatory Evacuation Line – as of June 28, PM.
Pine Ridge Fire
The Pine Ridge Fire is very active wildfire ignited by lightning 10 miles NE of Grand Junction, Mesa County, CO, on Wednesday June 27th, and has since grown to more than 1,500 acres.
Fire Behavior: Fire behavior remains extreme and is now threatening Northern Mesa County including the community of De Beque. The Mesa County Sheriff’s department has ordered immediate evacuation of all areas south of S ½ road, west of 45.5 Rd and east of I 70.
Utah Fire Explodes to 20,300 acres in 2 Days
Seeley Fire wildfire, ignited by dry lightning in Huntington Canyon and Gentry Mountain, 15 miles NW of Huntington, Utah, on June 26, has exploded to 20,300 acres threatening an unknown number of structures and forcing evacuations in the area. Road closures are in effect.
Growth Potential: Extreme
Terrain Difficulty: Extreme
Wind Conditions: 16-28 mph SW
Temperature: 75-77 degrees
Humidity: 10-12%
Idaho Wildfire
Charlotte Fire, a blaze ignited in the Charlotte Road area of Mink Creek early afternoon on Thursday, has quickly spread, engulfing about 500 acres in just 5 hours, destroying or damaging at least a dozen homes.
Bannock County Commissioners issued a disaster declaration for the County and immediately evacuated the residents in the Gibson Jack, Johnny Creek and Mink Creek area down to Portneuf Road. The evacuations have since expanded toward Pocatello past Juniper Hills Country Club, said a report .
An emergency shelter has been set up in the Idaho State University Holt Arena for evacuees of the Gibson Jack and Mink Creek areas that have been affected by wildfire on Thursday, June 28, announced Stephen Chatterton, director of ISU Public Safety.
“Multiple fire agencies are battling the grass fire that is burning dangerously close to homes. The fire sparked just after 2:30 p.m., Thursday, near Charlotte Road. Bannock County is handling evacuations,” said a report.
Montana Wildfires:
A dozen wildfires in Montana have destroyed more than 100 structures and forced up to a 1,000 people to flee their homes.
Dahl Fire. Fueled by dead and dying timber, high temperatures, low relative humidities and gusty winds, the Dahl Fire in Musselshell County, Montana, has grown to an estimated 20,000 acres and is currently uncontained.
Montana Governor has signed an emergency declaration for Musselshell, Rosebud, Custer, Treasure, Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties and the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
An unknown number of residents have been evacuated.
Road closures are in effect.
A second fire in Musselshell County has been reported and located.
Ash Creek Complex Fire. The Ash Creek Complex fire, burning 10 miles east of Lame Deer in Custer National Forest, has exploded to 110,700 acres since it began Monday June 25th, 2012.
Significant Events: Residences remain threatened, and portions of Highway 212 remain closed due to fire activity and smoke.
Fire behavior: Active on the northeast flank in the Cook Mountain hiking and riding area.
Containment: 5%
Growth Potential: Extreme
Utah Wildfires
The Wood Hollow Fire, a blaze about 1 mile south of Fountain Green in Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands has now grown to 46,190 acres, claiming at least one life and destroying a reported 56 structures and scores of farm animals, mostly sheep.
The communities of Indian Ridge, Elk Ridge, Big Hollow, and Oaker Hills communities are under mandatory evacuation.
About 2,000 have been evacuated from surrounding communities.
Some 4 dozen active wildfires are currently burning across a dozen states: Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, South Dakota, Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, California and Hawaii.
Excessive Heat Warnings: Excessive Heat Warnings are currently in effect in parts of at least 8 states.
Heat wave. The core of the heat wave currently broiling the central U.S. could shift to the east late this weekend, however critical wildfire conditions and debilitating heat will continue into next week, NOAA forecast.
Fire Weather. Critical Fire Weather conditions prevail in parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Red Flag Warnings. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for parts of Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Indiana and Kentucky, NWS said.
Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect until Saturday evening in many areas and record high temperatures are expected to continue into and through the weekend. Excessive Heat Warnings cover the eastern half of Kansas, western Missouri and parts of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Heat Advisories cover parts of western Kansas, all of Oklahoma but the Panhandle, southern and eastern Iowa, northern and eastern Missouri, southern Wisconsin, most of Illinois, west-central and northeast Arkansas, the western half of Tennessee, northern Mississippi and all but the southern third of Alabama.
Record Heat. SE Colorado and SW Kansas locations have set numerous high temperature records in the recent days:
Dodge City, KS – 111 degrees Wed. – the all-time record for the city since record keeping began in 1874; also broke high for the day by 4 degrees (107 degrees in 1980).
Garden City, KS – 109 degrees broke old record of 106 set in 1979
Medicine Lodge, KS – record 109 degrees broke old record of 107 set in 1980
Colorado Springs, CO – broke all-time maximum temperature record Tuesday, hitting 101, tied 101 on Wed.
Pueblo, CO – record high 106 degrees reached Tue, hit 106 again Wed; Pueblo airport recorded 105 degrees or higher for six consecutive days .
Source: NWS
U.S. River Conditions
Some 24 locations are currently under flood conditions, with 7 river gauge sites at Major Flood level, 3 at Moderate Flood and 14 at Minor Flood; 22 sites were Near Flood, Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service reported.
U.S. Drought
The drought in the U.S. has intensified since last week with 72.01 of the lower 48 in D0-D4 (Abnormally Dry to Exceptional Drought) conditions.
No reported change in Hawaii since last week, with 78.89 of the state in D0-D4 conditions.
Alaska has reported an increase in dry conditions since last week, climbing from 18.35% to 42.00% in D0.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Arizona Drought. Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions (D1-D3) currently prevail throughout the state of Arizona.
Colorado Drought. The entire state of Colorado is currently experiencing Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions (D1-D3).
Arkansas Drought. Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions (D1-D3) reported in 98.55% of Arkansas, with the entire states experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
Illinois. The entire state of Illinois reporting Abnormally Dry to Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3).
Kentucky. Abnormally Dry to Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3) reported in 96.59% of Kentucky.
Georgia. Abnormally Dry to Exceptional Drought Conditions (D0 – D4) reported in 86.09% of Georgia.
Indiana Drought. Drought conditions for Indiana have deteriorated during the past week. Severe to extreme drought conditions cover two thirds of the state. Abnormally dry conditions cover 99.86% of the state.
Indiana Drought Map – released June 28, 2012.
At least 83 counties reporting active burn bans, as of posting.
Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect throughout half of the state.
Kansas Drought. Drought has returned to Kansas with 100.00% of the state reporting abnormally dry or drought conditions (D0 0D4).
Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect throughout about two-thirds of the state.
Nevada. The entire state of Nevada reporting Abnormally Dry to Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3).
New Mexico. D0 – D3 Drought Conditions reported throughout New Mexico.
Oklahoma. D0 – D3 Drought Conditions reported in 99.68% of Oklahoma.
South Carolina. Abnormally Dry to Exceptional Drought Conditions (D0 – D4) prevail in 86.34% of S. C.
Tennessee. D0 – D3 Drought Conditions reported in 96.03% of Tennessee.
Texas. Abnormally Dry to Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3) prevail in 95.92% of Texas.
Utah. D0 – D3 Drought Conditions prevail throughout Utah.
Wyoming. D0 – D3 Drought Conditions exist in 93.50% of Wyoming.
Missouri Drought. Severe Drought conditions persist in Missouri and the drought is likely to worsen, said NWS.
Currently 98.70% of the state is reporting drought conditions.
Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect in about 40% of the state, as of posting
Percent of Normal Precipitation – Last 7 days
Air Quality
NESDIS Map of Analyzed Fires from Satellite Data – June 29, 2012 – Time: See inset.
Current Hazard Mapping System Fire and Smoke Analysis – NOAA/NESDIS – June 29, 2012 – Time: See inset.
Other Global Disasters/ Significant Events
Assam, India. Floods of epic proportion caused by extreme monsoon rainfall have left at least 30 people dead, many injured and about a million displaced in the Indian state of Assam, reports said.
Bangladesh. Death toll in Bangladesh flooding and landslides has climbed to at least 112, injured hundreds of others, with more than a quarter of a million people displaced.
Widespread damage to crops, farmland, homes and business reported throughout affected areas.
More than 40,000 Coloradans flee their homes as firestorms rage across the state
Firestorms ravaging Colorado, as temperatures rise 20+ degrees above average in central U.S. and the Rockies
“This is a fire of epic proportions,” said Colorado Springs Fire Chief, Rich Brown.
“This is the worst fire season in the history of Colorado… it looks surreal,” said Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.
“We are in a very critical situation now. Unfortunately we do have structures and homes that are burning in the northwest corner of Colorado Springs. We have mandatory evacuation over a considerable area,” fire information officer Rob Deyerberg told Reuters.
Some 3 dozen active wildfires are currently burning hundreds of thousands of acres in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Alaska, South Dakota and California.
The fast-moving Waldo Canyon Fire in Pike National Forest, El Paso County, which ignited on June 23, has grown to more than 6,500 acres, destroying numerous homes and forcing at least 32,000 people from their homes.
High Park Fire west of Fort Collins – the second-largest and the most destructive blaze ever recorded in the state has destroyed at least 257 homes; burned 87,250acres; up to 5,000 people remain evacuated; 55 percent contained.
Little Sand Fire near Pagosa Springs, Weber Fire in Montezuma County, State Line Fire southeast of Durango, Treasure Fire near Leadville, Trout Creek Fire near Rainbow Falls in Douglas County, Woodland Heights Fire near Estes Park southwest of the High Park Fire, and Elbert Fire have so far consumed about 40,000 acres.
US Weather Hazards Map, June 27, 2012
Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect for 13 states:
Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana.
Heat Advisories are in effect this afternoon to late evening in eight central states:
North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana
Critical Fire Weather areas exist in parts of Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, Storm Prediction Center reported.
Flood Warning and Flash Flood Emergencycontinue in Florida. Major flooding is expected in Clay county through Thursday PM, and flash flood emergency in Duval county and NE Clay.
Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for much of Kansas.
For other current hazards and warnings Click Here.
Utah Wildfires
The Wood Hollow Fire, a blaze about 1 mile south of Fountain Green in Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands has exploded to about 40,000 acres, claiming at least one life and destroying numerous structures and scores of farm animals, mostly sheep.
Evacuations:
The entire town of Fairview (pop: 1,200) has been evacuated.
Up to 2,000 others have been evacuated from surrounding communities.
Indian Ridge, Elk Ridge, Big Hollow, and Oaker Hills communities are under mandatory evacuation.
Closures: Highway 89 closure is in effect for a second time.
Weather: “The big worry now is the weather. Everything that can be done is being done,” Gov Herbert said in a televised conference.
Wisconsin State of Emergency
Wisconsin Governor has declared a state of emergency for three northwestern counties of Douglas, Ashland and Bayfield counties devastated by flooding that damaged at least 500 homes and businesses.
Agricultural Disasters
Pennsylvania and New York. USDA has designates 21 counties in Pennsylvania and 2 counties in New York as agricultural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by freezing temperatures from March 1 – May 13, 2012.
List of Pennsylvania disaster areas: (PDA)Clarion, Forest, Schuylkill, Venango and Warren Counties. (CDA) Armstrong, Berks, Butler, Carbon, Columbia, Crawford, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Jefferson, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, McKean, Mercer and Northumberland counties.
List of New York disaster areas: Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Wyoming. USDA has designated 4 counties in Wyoming—Hot Springs, Fremont, Park, and Washakie—as agricultural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by drought that began March 1, 2012, and continues.
Record Power Consumption
Texans set two new records for hourly power demand as their large cities baked under triple-digit heat, with record temperatures set in Houston and San Antonio. Power demand reached 66,583 megawatts (MW) on Monday in the 60-minute period between 16:00 and 17:00, setting a new record for June, and exceeding Monday’s peak of 65,047MW, a report said.
“Houston’s high temperature reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 Celsius), 12 degrees above normal and breaking the record of 99 degrees. San Antonio hit 105, also a record,” said the report .
Collapsing Cities
Stockton, California. The river port city of Stockton, California (pop: 300,000), may become the largest US city to declare bankruptcy, after the city failed to make a deal with its creditors.
Located about 90 miles (144km) east of San Francisco, the city was hit hard during the US housing market crash.
Stockton’s unemployment rate (~ 16%) and violent crimes rank among the highest in the U.S.
North Las Vegas, Nevada. The Nevada city of North Las Vegas, described as “ground zero for foreclosures” was officially declared as a disaster area on June 23.
“One in every 195 homes is in foreclosure, the state’s highest rate. Once the nation’s fastest growing city, it lost more than 3,000 businesses in three years after the recession hit in 2007. Its total revenue has plunged from $817 million in 2009 to $298 million this year,” AP reported.
Tropical Depression DEBBY
Tropical Depression DEBBY is expected to continue moving ENE across Florida and into the Atlantic. The storm is forecast to re-intensify as it clears the eastern U.S. coast, NWS reported
Coastal and inland flooding still pose major threats across the affected areas.
Tens of thousands evacuated amid raging blazes, as wildfires, flooding, TS DEBBY and extreme weather events affect 2 dozen states
As Tropical Storm DEBBY continued to inch closer to the Gulf Coast, Louisiana Governor issued an executive proclamation declaring a state of emergency for the state.
Tropical Storm DEBBY. IR Satellite Image (NHC Enhancement). Source: CIMSS
Tropical Storm Debby is moving very slowly northeast, and is expected to become nearly stationary overnight. The NOAA/NWS Hurricane Prediction center has cancelled the Tropical Storm Warning for Louisiana and Mississippi. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from the Mississippi-Alabama border eastward to the Suwannee River in Florida. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect south of the Suwannee River to Englewood, Florida. There is high uncertainty with the movement of this storm. [NWS]
TS DEBBY has spawned at least 4 tornadoes in Collier County Florida, killing 1 person, injuring two, and destroying or damaging a dozen homes, as of posting.
Hazardous Weather Warnings. Hazardous Weather Warnings have been issued for all 50 States.
Red Flag Warnings. Red Flag Warnings are currently operating across at least 11 lower states and Hawaii.
Fire Warning. “A FIRE IS BURNING RAPIDLY ALONG THE BOSQUE NEAR RIO VISTA RUN AND HIGHWAY 76 BETWEEN ESPANOLA AND CHIMAYO BY LA PUEBLA. RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO EVACUATE AWAY FROM THE FIRE.” NWS reported.
Wildfires
Colorado. The Waldo Canyon Fire which ignited in Pike National Forest, El Paso County, on June 23 has exploded to about 3,000 acres, forcing nearly 12,000 people to evacuate.
The fire is expected to remain very active today as day heats up and winds develop, forest authorities said.
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place at
– Cedar Heights Subdivision and Mountain Shadows south of Chuck Wagon. Boundaries are Rampart Range Road to the west and everything west of 30thand Centennial from Gateway Road north to Chuck Wagon. This is the only mandatory or voluntary evacuation in effect at this time in Colorado Springs City limits. – Manitou Springs has also placed Mandatory Evacuation Orders within its City limits. – CORRECTION to reported voluntary evacuations for Mountain Shadows. There are no Mandatory Evacuation – – Orders in place at this time for Mountain Shadows other than those south of Chuck Wagon Road. – Garden of the Gods Park and Garden of the Gods Visitor Center are closed. – Green Mountain Falls, Chipita Park, and Cascade (on both sides of Hwy 24) – Farish and Corrol Lake off Rampart Range Road – Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the Gods Park, Palmer Park and Pikes Peak Highway are CLOSED. – To have your phone on the “reverse 911” for evacuation notices, go to elpasoteller911.org
– Pre Evacuation Notices (These are precautionary notices only – not Mandatory Evacuation, but be prepared to evacuate on short notice if official notification for Evacuation occurs)
– In Teller County: East of Safeway, north of Safeway to Rampart Range Road, south to Edlow Road [Inciweb]
The High Park Fire.Colorado’s second-largest recorded fire and its most destructive has grown to about 83,000 acres and at least 248 homes (the figure includes additional homes which were lost late last week in the Glacier View and Hewlett subdivisions), USFS reported.
The deadly fire continues to spread west into inaccessible areas, and is said to have an EXTREME growth potential.
Evacuation Orders remain in place for thousands of residents. See previous posts for lists.
Utah. The Wood Hollow fire, a new, fast-moving blaze, about 100 miles south of Salt Lake City, has exploded to more than 8,000 acres, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes in 2 rural communities of Fountain Green and Indianola, reports said.
Oklahoma. Record heat likely today in Tulsa and neighboring areas, with afternoon heat index climbing to 111ºF, NWS forecast.
Heat wave is forecast to continues with 100+ heat to persists through the week.
USDA has designated 19 counties in Arkansas and 4 counties in Missouri as agricultural disaster areas due to damage and losses caused by armyworms that began April 1 and continues.
The primary disaster areas in Arkansas: Boone, Fulton, Izard, Madison and Sharp counties.
Contiguous disaster areas in Arkansas: Baxter, Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Independence, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Newton, Randolph, Searcy, Stone and Washington counties.
The disaster areas in Missouri: Howell, Oregon, Ozark and Taney counties.
A county is designated an agricultural disaster area when the crop losses exceed 30 percent.
Fall armyworm damage corn cobs. –USDA
Fall armyworm cause extensive damage to whorls of corn. Source: Purdue Cooperative Extension Service
Four stages of armyworm development. Image Source: NCSU.
Description (Source: NCSU)
Adult– The true armyworm moth has grayish-brown forewings, each with a white spot near the center, and grayish-white hind wings. The wingspan averages 38.5 mm.
Egg – The minute, greenish-white egg is globular in shape.
Larva – The young armyworm is pale green. The mature larva is basically yellowish or brownish-green with a tan or greenish-brown head mottled with darker brown. The smooth, practically hairless body is marked with three dark longitudinal stripes, one along each side and one down the back. A full-grown armyworm is 30 to 35 mm long.
Pupa – The reddish-brown 13-mm-long pupa darkens gradually until it is almost black.
Vermont, USA. The Disaster President has declared 3 Vermont counties—Addison, Lamoille and Orleans—as major disaster areas due to severe storms, hail, flooding, high wind and a tornado that struck the region on May 29.
The extreme weather event caused widespread damage to private property as well as public infrastructure.
Vermont has now experienced extreme weather events destructive enough to warrant major disaster declarations for the sixth successive year.
[NOTE: This blog endorses neither of the two political mafia families!]
Gulf of Mexico
Tropical Storm DEBBY. Image source: CIMSS
TS DEBBY, currently quasistationery, located about 210 miles SSE of the mouth of the Mississippi River, with winds of about 50MPH, and is expected to intensify into hurricane strength before slamming into Texas/Louisiana/Florida coasts.
DEBBY could dump up to 10 inches of rain along the Gulf Coast from southern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.
Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches have been issued for coastal waters of SE Louisiana and S Mississippi.
Colorado. Waldo Canyon Fire, which flared up on Saturday, has grown to more than 2,000 acres, and is expected to remain active throughout the night.
The fast-moving blaze near Colorado Springs has forced more than 5,000 people to flee their homes.
The fire was zero percent contained, as of posting.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders:
“Cedar Heights Subdivision and Mountain Shadows south of Chuck Wagon are under mandatory evacuation. Boundaries are Rampart Range Road to the west and everything west of 30th and Centennial from Gateway Road north to Chuck Wagon. City of Manitou Springs and Crystal Park Subdivision as well as The north side of Hwy. 24 east from the County line to Waldo Canyon. There are no evacuation orders in place at this time for Mountain Shadows other than those south of Chuck Wagon Road. Garden of the Gods Park and Garden of the Gods Visitor Center are closed. Pikes Peak Hwy. is closed.” USFS reported.
Colorado. Woodland Heights fire, another explosive blaze that ignited near the mountain community of Estes Park, has destroyed about two dozen structures.
Explosive wildfire threatens thousands of homes in 2 Utah communities
About 10,000 people have been evacuated as a fast-moving wildfire pushed toward an explosives factory, officials said.
The so-called Dump fire has forced the authorities to put about 2,500 homes under mandatory evacuation order. The fire is raging in Kiowa Valley near a landfill for Saratoga Springs, a small town located about 35 miles south of Salt Lake City.
As of Friday evening, the fire had exploded to more than 4,000 acres, Inciweb reported.
The Dump fire is one of about 20 significant wildfires currently burning in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
US Weather Hazards Map
Red Flag Warnings are currently operating across 9 lower states and Hawaii.
Colorado. High Park Fire. The massive wildfire located about 15 miles west of Fort Collins has grown to at least 70,000 acres, destroying or damaging hundreds of structures.
“Hwy 14 is now reclosing east of Gould. It has been confirmed that more structures are being lost to the fire in the Hewlett Gulch area and there are preliminary reports that some structures may be impacted in the 12th Filing of Glacier View. No more details are available at this time.” Inciweb reported.
The authorities have issued new evacuation orders for and PRE-evacuation notifications for half dozen additional communities, while mandatory evacuation orders remain in place across dozens of other areas.
A small army of 1,879 personnel with dozens of helicopters, dozers, engines, feller bunchers and water tenders are tackling the difficult fire.
As of 6/19/12 nearly 1.3 million gallons of water have been dropped on the fire, Inciweb reported.
High Park Fire near Fort Collins, CO, consumes about 57,000 acres, destroys 100s of homes
The most destructive fire in Colorado history has destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes, as a large portion of the western and southwestern U.S. were placed under Red Flag Warnings due to high temperatures and strong winds.
At least 181 homeowners have so far been notified they have lost their homes. The areas were the destruction occurred include the Davis Ranch, Stove Prairie, Stratton Park, Pine Acres, Soldier Canyon, Missile Silo Road, Cloudy Pass, Picnic Rock, Spring Valley, Old Flowers, Whale Rock, Paradise Park, Tip Top, Rist Creek Rist Canyon, Poudre Fire Authority District along the Front Range and Poudre Canyon from Stove Prairie to the mouth of Poudre Canyon. “The assessment is still underway and this number will continue to grow,” said the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Fire activity increased with the winds Sunday afternoon, USFS reported. Temperatures are expected in the 90’s with winds gusting to 50MPH on ridgetops and in Poudre Canyon beginning Monday morning (local time).
Looters are reportedly targeting evacuated homes, and police have made at least one arrest.
U.S. Weather Hazards Map. Red Flag Warnings issued for 9 lower states and Hawaii. “Fire weather conditions will worsen today across much of the interior West. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the Sierra Nevada Mountains across the central Rockies and into the High Plains of Nebraska. This will be especially problematic for firefighters battling the High Park Wildfire near Fort Collins, Colorado. This fire is already the most destructive in Colorado history,” NWS said.
EVACUATION INFORMATION (provided by Inciweb)
6:30 PM – A new mandatory re-evacuation order has just been issued for the Soldier Canyon and Mill Canyon areas. This includes Lodgepole Drive and CR 23 west and south including Red Cedar Drive, and east to CR 23.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued earlier today for residents in the Hewlett Gulch subdivision area. The area runs from the Glacier View 9-12 filings (already evacuated) east to the Hewlett Gulch Trail, north to CR 74E and south to HWY 14.
Cloudy Pass residents were allowed to return home as of noon 6/15 (no credentials required). Residents in the Poudre Canyon up to Gateway park area (east of Gateway) were allowed to return as of 2 PM 6/15.
Around 5 PM Friday, fire officials lifted the evacuation order for Satanka Cove, located at the north end of Horsetooth Reservoir.
Thursday fire officials issued an evacuation order for the 9th, 10th and 11th filings of Glacier View, to include the area west from Eiger Road to Rams Horn Mountain Road and north from the Mount Blanc Guardian Peak area to the north end of Mount Everest Drive. Fire officials also ordered evacuations of 80 residences along Many Thunders Road and south into the 12th Filing of Glacier View. Roads included in this evacuation include Meadow Mountain Drive, Little Bald Mountain Court, Grey’s Peak Court, Diamond Peak Court, Little Twins Court, Red Mountain Court, Pingree Hill Court, Rabbit Ears Court, Bullrock Court and Black Mountain Court. The road block will be located at Eiger (Glacier View Gate 1) and Many Thunders Mountain Road. An additional roadblock is located at Green Mountain Drive (Glacier View Gate 1) at CR 74E.
CR 74E remains open and a pre-evacuation alert remains in effect for the rest of Glacier View subdivision (including the area north of CR 74E), and the area south of CR 74E between Hewlett Gulch Road to the east and CR 68C to the west and HWY 14 to the south.
Evacuated residents looking to evacuate animals must contact the humane society at 226-3647. Again, do not show up at road blocks to attempt to gain access to care for or evacuate animals.
Evacuation orders remain in place for the following areas:
-Pingree Park Road, Hourglass and Comanche reservoirs, east on Buckhorn Road up to and including Pennock Pass, NE to junction with Stove Prairie and Hwy 14; West to junction with Highway 15 and Pingree Park Road
-County Road 44H (Buckhorn Road) from County Road 27 to Pennock Pass and residents to the south approximately 3/4 – 1 mile.
-Areas south and west of Bellvue to include the Lory State Park area, the Redstone Canyon area and Buckhorn Road up to the Stove Prairie School.
-Poudre Canyon from MM111 to MM118 on Highway 14. This means Poudre Canyon from Stove Prairie to MM118 is under mandatory evacuations.
-The area between CR 27E and Stove Prairie Road and south through the entire Rist Canyon area including Davis Ranch Road, Whale Rock Road.
-South on County Road 44H 3 miles to just north of Stringtown Gulch Road, Paradise Park Road, Moose Horn Lane, Magic Lane and Spencer Mountain Road.
-Old Flowers Road from Stove Prairie Road to the 8000-block of Old Flowers Road.
-Stove Prairie Road north along County Road 27 to Highway 14, east along Highway 14 to approximately mile marker 111, southeast to Rist Canyon Fire Station 1, then back west to to include Wilderness Ridge Way, Rist Creek Road, Spring Valley Road and County Road 41 and all of the roads that run off of it.
-Hewlett Gulch, King’s Canyon area and Boyd Gulch Road.
Approximately 3,100 notifications (contacts, not residences) have been sent for evacuations on this fire. As of Friday, 1,199 notifications (contacts, not residents) were sent notifying residences that they could return home.
Other Significant Wildfires
Springer Fire, a new wildfire which erupted on Sunday in the Pike National Forest in Colorado, has consumed more than 450 acres and is rapidly growing, USFS reported.
The blaze has forced the mandatory evacuations of about 500 Boy Scouts camping in the area and nearby subdivisions, USFS said.
North Schell Fire, Ely District, Nevada. The blaze started Saturday June 9th, 2012 and has grown to about 25,000 acres with EXTREME growth potential.
Little Bear Fire, Lincoln National Forest, NM. The blaze has grown to more than 38,000 acres but is reportedly 60% contained.
Mandatory evacuation in place at all campgrounds west of Bonito Lake; Angus and Bonita Park, USFS reported.
Whitewater Baldy Complex Fire, Reserve Ranger District, NM. The state’s largest historical fire has grown to about300,000 acres and is reportedly 80% contained. However, the blaze is said to have a HIGH growth potential.
Gov Hickenlooper has signed an executive order declaring High Park Fire in Larimer County a disaster area.“The High Park Fire’s proximity to numerous homes, property, and critical infrastructure poses an imminent danger to life and property,” the Executive Order said.
The large fire, which has already consumed about 45,000 acres and more than 120 structures, is about 15 miles west of Fort Collins. The blaze is about 5% contained and continues to grow.
Inciweb said:
The western flank of the fire is active and continues to be an area of concern, particularly as it moves into an area that contains 70 percent beetle killed trees. In addition, the northwest portion of the fire is actively burning …
New evacuation order is in place for Pingree Park Road, Hourglass and Comanche reservoirs, east on Buckhorn Road up to and including Pennock Pass, NE to junction with Stove Prairie and Hwy 14; West to junction with Highway 15 and Pingree Park Road.
General evacuation area runs west of Horsetooth Reservoir, north of Masonville, east of Pennock Pass and south of Hwy 14. Additional evacuation area includes area north of Hwy 14 from Hewlitt Gulch to 287 and north to Eagles Nest. For more specific orders see below.
Evacuation orders remain in place for the following areas:
-Pre-evacuation alerts have been sent to Glacier View residents but no evacuation orders have been issued.
-North of County Road 38E, from Horsetooth Reservoir to Redstone Canyon to Lory State park.
-Bonner Peaks subdivision.
-County Road 44H (Buckhorn Road) from County Road 27 to Pennock Pass and residents to the south approximately 3/4-1 mile.
-CR27E to Bellvue.
-Areas south and west of Bellvue to include the Lory State Park area, the Redstone Canyon area and Buckhorn Road up to the Stove Prairie School.
-Poudre Canyon from MM111 to MM118 on Highway 14. This means Poudre Canyon from Stove Prairie to MM118 is under mandatory evacuations. RESIDENTS OF POUDRE CANYON WHO HAVE NOT YET LEFT ARE ASKED TO LEAVE NOW.
-The area between CR27E and Stove Prairie Road and south through the entire Rist Canyon area including Davis Ranch Road, Whale Rock Road.
-South on CR44H 3 miles to just north of Stringtown Gulch Road Paradise Park Road, Moose Horn Lane, Magic Lane and Spencer Mountain Road.
-Old Flowers Road from Stove Prairie Road to the 8000-block of Old Flowers Road.
-Stove Prairie Road north along County Road 27 to Highway 14, east along Highway 14 to approximately mile marker 111, southeast to Rist Canyon Fire Station 1, then back west to to include Wilderness Ridge Way, Rist Creek Road, Spring Valley Road and County Road 41 and all of the roads that run off of it.
-Hewlitt Gulch, King’s Canyon area and Boyd Gulch Road.
Approximately 2,600 notifications (contacts, not residents) have been sent for evacuations on this fire.
At least one person is known to have died in the fire so far. The body of a woman was found in the ashes of her remote cabin near the Roosevelt National Forest. Her death is reportedly the state’s fourth wildfire fatality in 2012.
Other Wildfires
New Mexico. Gov. Martinez has declared a State of Emergency for Lincoln County due to the Little Bear Fire, the Governor’s Office said.
As of June 12, 2012 – 3 pm, the blaze located in Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, which includes White Mountain Wilderness, had consumed more than 36,000 acres, with about a third contained.
The fierce fire has so far destroyed 234 structures including 224 residential structures and 10 outbuildings, NM fire info reported.
Evacuations; “All campgrounds west of Bonito Lake; subdivisions of Villa Madonna, Enchanted Forest, Nogal Canyon (Forest Road 400, campground and summer homes), Angus, Sierra Vista, Sonterra (1, 2 and 3), Copper Canyon, and Loma Grande; Eagle Lakes Campground, Eagle Creek summer homes, Ski Run Road (State Highway 532) at mile marker 3, State Highway 48 to Capitan, and State Highway 37 to Highway 380 and Ski Apache. This list may not be all inclusive.” Inciweb reported.
The Latest Little Bear Fire Map. The blaze is located in Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, including White Mountain Wilderness.
Other Disasters, Significant Events
Pennsylvania, USA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated three counties in Pennsylvania as a agricultural disaster areas due to damage and losses caused by freezing temperatures that occurred March – April 2012. The disaster areas are
Primary disaster area: Erie County.
Contiguous disaster areas: Crawford and Warren counties.
Ohio. Ashtabula County in the state of Ohio was added to declaration list because it’s contiguous.
New York. Chautauqua County in New York was also declared a disaster area because it’s contiguous.
Tennessee. USDA has designated eight counties in Tennessee as agricultural disaster areas due to damage and losses caused by a freeze that occurred April 7-24, 2012.
Primary disaster areas: Hancock and Hawkins counties.
Contiguous disaster areas: Claiborne, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Sullivan and Washington counties.
Virginia. The following counties in Virginia were also designated as disaster areas because they’re contiguous: Lee and Scott counties.
Texas, USA. At least 123 bottlenose dolphins became stranded along the Texas coast since November 2011, of which 119 died, NOAA reported.
The deaths are regarded as an “Unusual Mortality Event (UME)”
Algae blooms and oil pollution, especially the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, are said to be among possible causes.
Previous UMEs in the Gulf have been attributed to:
biotoxins (53%)
infectious diseases (7%)
unknown causes (40%)
“15 UMEs have occurred in the Gulf of Mexico (11 of which involved cetaceans; the remaining 4 were specific to manatees only) since 1991, when the marine mammal UME program was established, to the present. There have been 55 formally recognized UMEs in the U.S.” NOAA reported.
The 2010-2012 Cetacean Unusual Mortality Event in Northern Gulf of Mexico “involves 745 Cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises) strandings in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (5% stranded alive and 95% stranded dead).”
[NOTE: An unusual mortality event (UME) is defined under the Marine Mammal Protection Act as, “a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response.”]
Wildfires in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and California force thousands to evacuate, consume hundreds of structures
New Mexico. The Little Bear Fire located in Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, and the White Mountain Wilderness, has now grown to more than 26,000 acres (~ 41 sq miles; 105km²), destroying or damaging dozens of structures.
Evacuations: All campgrounds west of Bonito Lake; subdivisions of Villa Madonna, Enchanted Forest, Nogal Canyon (Forest Road 400, campground and summer homes), Angus, Sierra Vista, Sontara (1,2 and 3), Rancho Ruidoso, Copper Canyon, and Loma Grande; Eagle Lakes Campground, Eagle Creek summer homes, Ski Run Road (State Highway 532) at mile marker 3, State Highway 48 to Capitan, and State Highway 37 to Highway 380 and Ski Apache.
Shelters: FirstBaptist Church on Country Club Road, Church of Christ on Sudderth Road in Ruidoso, and Trinity Baptist Church in Capitan. Pets and livestock may be taken to J&J Country Church in Ruidoso, or the fairgrounds in Capitan.
The blaze is 0% contained, and is aided by air temps of 82ºF, relative humidity of less than 6 percent, and westerly winds of 20mph.
Colorado. The High Park Fire, located approximately 15 miles west of Fort Collins, was sparked Saturday June 9th and has consumed more than 20,000 acres (~ 31 sq miles; 81km²); the blaze continues to grow rapidly.
The blaze has a HIGH growth potential among areas of rough terrain and beetle killed trees.
The fire has damaged or destroyed at least 2 dozens structure, threatening many more.
New evacuation order for the area south of County Road 38E from Gindler Ranch Road west to Milner Ranch Road (325 notifications). This area is located south and west of the Horsetooth Reservoir inlet. The High Park Fire is moving rapidly in this direction, Inciweb reported.
Other evacuation orders include:
Crystal Mountain area including Crystal Mountain Road and the Upper Buckhorn. The burning pattern of High Park Fire could potentially cut off exit routes for residents in this area and they should leave now (24 notifications).
Any residents who have not already left the Crystal Mountain Area must now evacuate to the west on Buckhorn Road. County Road 27 is no longer passable so evacuation to the east is impossible.
Evacuation orders have also been issued for the Bonner Peak Subdivision (183 notifications), Buckhorn Rd from CR27 to Pennock Pass and residents to the south approximately 3/4-1 mile. (69 notifications). Evacuation order issued for the area North of CR38E, from Horsetooth Reservoir to Redstone Canyon to Lory State Park. (326 notifications)
Evacuations have been ordered for Stove Prairie Road north along County Road 27 to Highway 14, east along Highway 14 to approximately mile marker 111, southeast to Rist Canyon Fire Station 1, then back west to to include Wilderness Ridge Way, Rist Creek Road, Spring Valley Road and County Road 41 and all of the roads that run off of it.
All of Rist Canyon (west of 27E) and all roads off of it, including Whale Rock Road and Davis Ranch Road. South 3 additional miles on County Road 44H to just north of Stringtown Gulch Road.
At 11:10 P.M. an evacuation alert has been sent to the Poudre Park (along Highway 14) area from mile marker 111 to mile marker 118.
Additionally Highway 14 from Ted’s Place to Stove Prairie is closed, as well as Stove Prairie Road and Rist Canyon. Additional evacuations as of approximately 5 a.m. Sunday include all residents from County Road 27E to Bellvue and for the area south and west of Bellvue, including Lory State Park and Red Stone Canyon, and Buckhorn Road from Masonville up to Stove Prairie School.
Evacuation ordered for CR 29C and McMurry Ranch Road (33 notifications). Approximately 2,200 notifications (contacts, not residents) have been sent for evacuations on this fire.
Gila National Forest wildfire
New Mexico’s Gov. Martinez has already declared state of emergency in Catron County, where the largest wildfire in state’s history, Gila National Forest wildfire (Whitewater Baldy Complex fire), has consumed about 280,000 acres, with 37% contained.
The fire is currently aided by air temps of 86ºF, relative humidity of less than 7 percent.
Wyoming. A wildfire in Wyoming’s Guernsey State Park has consumed ABOUT 4,000 acres and forced the evacuation of up to 1,000 campers and visitors, AP reported.
California. George Bush Fire – 1,707 acres – George Bush Tree/Golden Trout Wilderness – Sequoia National Forest – 85% contained.
Colorado. Little Sand – 8,238 acres – San Juan National Forest – 13 miles NW of Pagosa Springs – 30% contained.
Utah. Box Creek Fire – 5 miles west of Greenwich – 2,018 acres – 75% contained.
Utah. Lost Lake Fires – 2,076 acres – Fishlake National Forest – 55% contained.
Wyoming. Cow Camp Fire – 8,493 acres – Medicine Bow – Routt National Forest – 20 Miles NE of Wheatland – 70% contained.
Other Global Disasters, Significant Events
China. Extreme rain events in southern China have left large parts of Jiangxi, Hunan and Guizhou provinces submerged affecting millions of people.
Thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed.
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated.
Tens of thousands of hectares of crop have been destroyed.
Flooding in Hunan province triggered massive landslides blocking major railroads, including Hukun Railway, which connects Shanghai and Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, a report said.
The authorities reported about a dozen dead or missing.
Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.Two earthquakes measuring 5.4 and 5.7Mw struck Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, about 175km north of Kabul.
The quakes destroyed dozens of homes in Dara Azara, a remote village in the Baghlan province, burying about 100 people in the rubble, reports said.
Up-to-date weekly average CO2 at Mauna Loa (ESRL/Global Monitoring Division)
Week of June 3, 2012: 395.38 ppm
Weekly value from 1 year ago: 393.69 ppm
Weekly value from 10 years ago: 375.82 ppm
The graph, updated weekly, shows as individual points daily mean CO2 up to and including the week (Sunday through Saturday) previous to today. The daily means are based on hours during which CO2 was likely representative of “background” conditions, defined as times when the measurement is representative of air at mid-altitudes over the Pacific Ocean. That air has had several days time or more to mix, smoothing out most of the CO2 variability encountered elsewhere, making the measurements representative of CO2 over hundreds of km or more. The selection process is designed to filter out any influence of nearby emissions, or removals, of CO2 such as caused by the vegetation on the island of Hawaii, and likewise emissions from the volcanic crater of Mauna Loa. The weekly mean (red bar) is simply the average of all days in the week for which a background value could be defined. The average standard deviation of day to day variability, calculated as the difference from the appropriate weekly mean, equals 0.38 ppm for the entire record. As a visual aid, the blue lines present monthly means of background data as they are presented under Recent Monthly CO2 at Mauna Loa.PDF Version. ESRL/Mauna Loa Global Monitoring Division.
Western wildfires consume dozens of structures, force hundreds to evacuate
A lightning-sparked blaze, the Little Bear Fire, located in White Mountain Wilderness above Bonito Lake in Lincoln County, has so far consumed dozens of structures as it ballooned to more than 10,000 acres almost overnight.
The fire, which started on June 4, is yet to be mapped by GPS for a more accurate estimate of size, the authorities said, as Lincoln County commissioners declared the fast-growing blaze a disaster.
As many as several hundred people have been evacuated from various areas including summer homes and campgrounds close to the fire, and shelters have been set up in Ruidoso and Capitan.
Meantime, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued red flag warning for parts of 10 states.
U.S. Weather Hazards Map. Portal
Gila National Forest wildfire
New Mexico’s Gov. Martinez has already declared state of emergency in Catron County, where the largest wildfire in state’s history, Gila National Forest wildfire (Whitewater Baldy Complex fire), has consumed about 280,000 acres, with less than a third contained.
NM fires are currently aided by air temps of 82ºF and humidity of less than 4 percent.
Latest available map for Gila National Forest wildfire (Whitewater-Baldy Complex fire). Source: US Forest Service Gila National Forest
[Manmade Volcano] Gila forest, south side of Big Dry. Photo taken by JoDee Goatz. Credit USFS Gila National Forest
Colorado. The High Park Fire, a fast-moving wildfire which has exploded to more than 8,000 acres since Saturday, is located 15 miles west of Fort Collins. “The fire has crossed County Road 27 south of the Stove Prairie School. High winds are fueling this fire and causing evacuations.” Inciweb reported.
“Evacuations have been ordered for Stove Prairie Road north along County Road 27 to Highway 14, east along Highway 14 to approximately mile marker 111, southeast to Rist Canyon Fire Station 1, then back west to to include Wilderness Ridge Way, Rist Creek Road, Spring Valley Road and County Road 41 and all of the roads that run off of it. Additionally, all of Rist Canyon (west of 27E) and all roads off of it, including Whale Rock Road and Davis Ranch Road. South 3 additional miles on County Road 44H to just north of Stringtown Gulch Road. (Over 800 notifications (contacts, not residents) sent.) A pre-evacuation alert was issued for the Buckhorn Road between mile markers 25 and 27. (5 notifications) At 11:10 P.M. an evacuation alert has been sent to the Poudre Park (along Highway 14) area from mile marker 111 to mile marker 118 (Kings Canyon/Boyd Gulch area). (31 notifications).Additionally Highway 14 from Ted’s Place to Stove Prairie is closed, as well as Stove Prairie Road and Rist Canyon. Ten structures are confirmed lost or damaged and others are threatened.” The report said.
Other Global Disasters, Significant Events
Florida, USA. Escambia County in Florida’s panhandle has declared a state of emergency amid an extreme rain event which triggered severe flooding, with the damage so far estimated at $20million, authorities said.
A storm moving across the Gulf Coast pummeled parts of Alabama and Florida.
Pensacola received up to 18 inches of rain by Saturday, reports said.
“Emergency shelters were opened at a few local schools for people who were urged to evacuate from low-lying areas, the newspaper reported. Thousands were without power. Neighboring Santa Rosa County had about 40 homes flooded.” AP reported.
“Mobile, Alabama, saw 15 inches (38 cm) of rain that stranded people in cars and caused a dam to break on a private lake, officials said,” Reuters reported.
NWS has forecast “a prolonged period of heavy rainfall” and possibility of flooding “across portions of the Central Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.”
NY, USA. Mega brigades of armyworms have destroyed acres of feed in a Buffalo farm and elsewhere in New York and Pennsylvania.
“A storm system, about a month ago, brought adult Armyworm moths to Western, New York (from the south),” said Walter Nelson, Program Leader Agriculture & Horticulture at Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County.
The worms have also been reported in across upstate, in Livingston, Monroe and Orleans counties, as well as in Clarence, Evans, Genesee, Marilla, Newstead and Wyoming counties.
Greece. Magnitude 6.1 quake centered at 28.94°E 36.35°N and depth of 10km struck Dodecanese Islands, Greece at 12:44:14.6 UTC (2012-06-10), GEOFON Program reported.
The quake struck about 60 km E of Rodos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece and 100km SSE of Mugla, Turkey.
The quake may have caused at least moderate damage and casualties; however, there were and NO reports available as of posting.
Earthquake Map – Dodecanese Islands, Greece.
Burma. Burma’s president has declared a state of emergency in the western state of Rakhine, after a week of sectarian violence in the region, which has left at least 17 people dead and hundreds of properties destroyed or damaged, reports said.
Thailand declares drought disaster in 32 of its 76 provinces
At least 32 provinces in Thailand, about half the country, have been declared drought disaster areas, according to the country’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.
Disaster Calendar 2012 – March 27
[March 27, 2012] Mass die-offs resulting from human impact and the planetary response to the anthropogenic assault could occur by early 2016. SYMBOLIC COUNTDOWN: 1,450 Days Left to the ‘Worst Day’ in Human History
Thailand. At least 32 of Thailand’s 76 provinces have been declared drought disaster areas, according to the country’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.
Drought has affected millions of people throughout the agricultural sector. In three northeastern provinces of Buriram, Chaiyabhumi and Nakorn Ratchasima alone, at least half a million people have been affected, requiring water rations, reports said.
Other Global Disasters, Significant Events
Idaho, USA. The city of Moscow in Idaho has declared a disaster emergency following weeks of torrential rains and extensive flooding, a report said.
City officials have warned residents to immediately go to higher ground if rising water threatens their safety.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic States. NWS has issued Freeze Warnings for Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic States:
“After an extended period of record-breaking warmth across the central and eastern United States, high pressure will usher in colder air into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions tonight. Low temperatures are forecast to range from the lower 20s to the lower 30s at several locations. With an early growing season already in progress, any vegetation susceptible to freezing temperatures over an extended period of time may be at risk to severe damage. In addition, pets should be brought indoors during the overnight.”
Colorado, USA. A fast-moving wildfire in the mountains southwest of Denver has consumed at least 3,000 acres, leaving 1 person dead, destroying dozens of structures and forcing thousands of residents in and around Conifer (Jefferson County) to abandon their homes.
“The fire is the largest of about a dozen that burned from the northeast plains to the southern part of the state, and scorched four-and-half square miles in only a few hours,” said a report.
Bayou State declares statewide emergency due to violent thunderstorms, tornadic events and 15″ of rain
Louisiana Governor has declared a state of emergency to exist statewide, following the current life-threatening round of flooding and escalating threats of additional destructive deluge.
Disaster Calendar 2012 – March 22
[March 22, 2012] Mass die-offs resulting from human impact and the planetary response to the anthropogenic assault could occur by early 2016. SYMBOLIC COUNTDOWN: 1,455 Days Left to the ‘Worst Day’ in Human History
Louisiana, USA. Louisiana Governor has declared a state of emergency to exist statewide, following the current life-threatening round of flooding and escalating threats of additional destructive flooding.
US tornado Maps
SPC tornado and severe weather map 21-22 March 2012
SPC tornado and severe weather map 20-21 March 2012. SPC received at least 11 tornado reports in Louisiana on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Parishes throughout the state of Louisiana including Acadia, Ascension, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Claiborne, Jefferson Davis, Natchitoches, St. Charles, Union, Vermilion, and Vernon had already declared states of emergency following yet another round of severe weather and widespread destructive flooding.
Map of US River Flood
Significant River Flood Outlook, March 21-26, 2012.
“… beginning on Tuesday, March 20th and predicted to continue through Thursday, March 22nd, a series of strong thunderstorms passed over the State, depositing up to 6” of rain and generating tornadic activity throughout the State, many in areas which are still recovering from the severe weather and flooding which occurred a mere week ago and resulted in the issuance of a separate statewide emergency proclamation –20 BJ 2012,” Gov. Jindal said in his state of emergency proclamation.
“… this latest round of severe weather has created dangerous conditions formotorists and other travelers, required widespread school closures, caused damage to houses and buildings, loss of electricity in localized areas, and is causing flooding and the threat of flooding across a large portion of the State;”
The state of emeregncy will remain in effect for 30 days from Wednesday, March 21, 2012 to Friday, April 20, 2012, unless terminated sooner.
Mexico Quake Update. The 7.4Mw quake has destroyed about 150 homes and damaged about 1,250 buildings. Most of the damage occurred in the municipality of Ometepec in Guerrero, near the quake’s epicenter.
At least 11 people were reportedly injured; no fatalities reported, as of posting.
The worst hit place was the village of Huixtepec, where nearly half of the buildings were severely damaged, reports said.
Oregon, USA. Klamath County commissioners in Klamath Falls, Oregon, have declared a drought emergency.
The Klamath Basin, which straddles the Oregon-California border, has ongoing “trouble meeting the water demands of the 11,400 farms on a federal irrigation project,” a report said.
California. Marin County officials have declared a drought emergency, a report said.
“This resolution will recognize an emergency drought condition exists and continues to develop in Marin County,” county Agricultural Commissioner Stacy Carlsen said, adding ranchers suffered a “50 percent loss in livestock forage as a result of adverse weather conditions” including little precipitation.
Chiang Mai, Thailand.“Haze from forest fires and airborne dust particles beyond safety levels still blanket the northern tourist city of Chiang Mai, affecting air traffic in the region,” the Thai News Agency reported.
Wildfires intensified by drought are ravaging northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai Airport is using runway lights during daylight hours because of poor visibility.
About quarter of a million people have sought medical treatment for air pollution-related illnesses, including respiratory and coronary heart disease, said the report.
Colorado, USA. A massive wildfire on Colorado’s eastern plains consumed more than 84 square miles, forcing at least 1,000 residents to flee their homes in a small Colorado town of Eckley, Yuma County, and killing an undetermined number of farm animals and wildlife.
“Things are expected to worsen by the weekend, with high fire danger in eastern Colorado, southeast Wyoming and far western Nebraska and South Dakota,” a report said.
Significant Events
NWS reported 41 record or record-tying high temperatures for March 20 across 8 states in the central United States. The new records included:
Marquette, Mich., recorded 78ºF, which was 22 degrees higher than the old record of 56ºF set in 1976, NWS reported.
New fire rapidly scorches large area SE of Denver, Colorado
The latest fire, which erupted as firefighters struggled to contain a separate blaze (Indian Gulch in Jefferson County), has scorched about [2,000] acres on the wooded cliffs near Franktown, Colorado, according to Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re not aware of any structures lost, but the high winds are pushing it close to heavily populated neighborhoods, so we called for mandatory evacuations.”
Fire at Miami International Airport
“A spectacular fire that led to cancellations of 179 flights and delayed dozens more at Miami International Airport may have been caused by an electrical failure in a complex grid of underground pipes that pumps fuel to hundreds of planes each day.” Said a report.
Large fires are currently reported in the following states:
Arizona (1)
Arkansas (1)
Colorado (1)
Georgia (1)
Kansas (1)
Missouri (3)
Oklahoma (7)
Texas (1)
Year-to-date statistics 2011 (1/1/11 – 3/24/11)
Fires: 15,906
Acres: 616,427
9-year average [2002 to 2010]
Acres: 396,282
Record: 1,792,721 (2006)
Red Flag Warnings
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Fire Weather Red Flag Warnings for
SE Colorado
Northern Central and Southern New Mexico
Western Texas
Wakulla and Leon Counties, Fl
Click image to enter NWS Portal.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EL PASO TX/SANTA TERESA NM — 9:57 PM MDT THU MAR 24 2011
…A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EARLY FRIDAY EVENING FOR ALL OF SOUTHWEST AND SOUTH CENTRAL NEW MEXICO AND FAR WEST TEXAS DUE TO WINDS GREATER THAN 20 MPH… RELATIVE HUMIDITY BELOW 15 PERCENT AND VERY HIGH OR EXTREME FIRE DANGER RATINGS…
…A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE SOUTHWEST…SOUTH-CENTRAL NEW MEXICO LOWLANDS AND FAR WEST TEXAS FOR WINDS GREATER THAN 20 MPH…RELATIVE HUMIDITIES 15 PERCENT OR LOWER AND VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER RATINGS…
Today and tonight: A Pacific storm system and associated cold front will move across the area this evening. Snow will develop across the mountains by this evening, continuing overnight. Snow accumulations of up to 2 inches can be expected over the higher mountains by Friday morning. Gusty south to southwest winds will continue to develop across the foothills and plains this afternoon, shifting to the west this evening with gusts to 40 mph possible behind the front. From Boulder to Denver to Limon and areas south, relative humidities are expected to fall below 15%. The combination of low humidities and strong winds will produce a high fire danger. Strong winds will continue tonight along and near the foothills with gusts to 60 mph possible. [Source: NWS]
Fire Earth 
